While you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, it doesn’t mean that you can’t admire it. Each month I find what I believe are the best comic covers of the month. In December we have five covers that are all rather different from each other.
Abe Sapien #8 by Max Fiumara
The red cuts through the black to become the most prominent element of this comic cover. While it could be seen as the disturbed water of Abe’s swimming path, it can additionally be symbolised as blood – foreshadowing events in the issue.
Manifest Destiny #2 by Matthew Roberts
This particular cover has opted for a simple coloured background, which works well in the content of the detail in the foreground. This allows all the detail of the moss and fungus growing on the skull and axe to not be lost. While the image is a simple shot, it works well as it is visually interesting and foreshadows the series’ narrative.
Rat Queens #4 by Roc Upchurch
This is a great action piece. With high angle it feels like we are part of the action, but also allows us to see what is going on the ground – telling more of a story. The debris of the ladders works well and adds to the action. The poses of the female protagonists are great as you know they mean business, especially when paired with the high angled shot.
Dead Boy Detectives #1 by Mark Buckingham
This point of view shot, as seen by the hand at the bottom, works well at setting the tone of this comic. The colours are dark, but soft, which allows the readers to see that while the tile has supernatural themes, it is not grim and gritty. The magnifying glass used works well as a great indication that is mystery involved. Finally, the two pale figures signifies that ghosts will be involved in the series’ narrative. All these visual motifs combined allow for the reader to understand the tone and what the narrative could possibly be about.
Conan and the People of the Black Circle #4 by Ariel Olivetti
This comic cover is another great action piece that matches the property well. Having Conan fighting a giant serpent allows for those unfamiliar with Conan to get an idea of who is and his fighting style. Conan’s muscles are beautifully rendered and allow to show off his power and strength. Additionally, his clothing is also rendered beautifully, and is realistically effected by the action taking place on the cover.
Have Your Say
Do you have a favourite comic cover from December 2013? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments below.
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